Device for securing construction modules

ABSTRACT

The invention provides a system for fixing construction modules based on two fixing devices for assembling three-dimensional construction modules during building construction and complex construction elements for any use, in which first, essentially flat fixing devices comprise two pairs of rigid rods arranged vertically in each pair, one on top of the other, in a U-shape, both pairs of rods being arranged in a concentric manner, thereby defining a U-shaped hole in which bosses are placed, and second fixing devices comprising three pairs of rigid rods arranged vertically in each pair, one vertically on top of the other, with one pair defining an essentially right-angle and the other two pairs of rods being arranged symmetrically with respect to their bisector, thereby defining a hole in the form of an arrowhead in which bosses are housed.

The present invention relates to a system for fixing constructionmodules. More specifically, the invention provides a fixing system basedon fixing devices for the assembly of self-supporting modular elementsor three-dimensional construction modules for the construction ofbuildings for any use, for example houses, offices, industrialbuildings, bridges, complex lattices, dams and the like, as well as forfixing and joining simple slabs, pillars, etc.

The fixing system of the invention allows the assembly of constructionmodules both in height and laterally in a simple and reproducible way,such devices being fixed in specific and standardized positions of saidmodules, which allows to automate the construction from them.

On the other hand, the design of fixing devices of the invention allowsthem to be used for construction in seismic risk areas, since theirconfiguration, avoiding the use of rigid plates, allows that theconstruction modules to which they are applied to withstand vibrationsand bending that usually occur on these module fixings during this typeof events.

For this, fixing devices of the invention, free of rigid fixing plates,are formed in a first configuration for their integration inconstruction modules sides for their vertical assembly and horizontalextension, and in a second configuration for their integration in modulecorners.

Currently, in the construction of buildings there is a need to optimizeboth the time and the cost of the works, for this reason in recent yearsconstruction technologies based on precast industry have been developed.Thus, there are construction systems based on prefabricated elementsthat allow construction in a three-directional way, in the form ofvolumetric elements or boxes.

These three-dimensional prefabricated construction modules allowconstruction in many different design configurations, both in plan andheight. For this, said modules are usually designed as one-piece cubiccells and structurally self-supporting on any of their sides, so thattheir sides can be arranged in any desired orientation to definedifferent spaces, both in the same plane, as well as in differentplanes. Typically, said modules include, integrated in at least one oftheir sides, embedded loading means that allow placement, orientationand transport of the same, such as platens suitably arranged in at leastone ridge of modules, embedded and structurally integrated incorresponding recesses made in themselves.

This configuration based on platens of the already known fixing systemshas various disadvantages essentially derived from the use of rigidmetal supports arranged in corresponding grooves and which allow thejoining of some modules with other adjacent and upper or lower modulesby means of screws.

For example, document ES201100177 describes fixings of this type, usingsome stiffeners provided in upper module structure, which by cutting theflange of corresponding beam, form housings for the location andpositioning of elements provided in the roof structure of lower module,the joining being materialized by means of a pin housed in lockedthrough holes and provided in positioning elements. Other stiffeningelements also collaborate in said joining, coinciding with correspondingsupports or pillars position.

The use of rigid junctions for modules assembly in vertical andhorizontal direction makes the constructions made with these modules notvery flexible and become very affected by a seismic load, which limitsvertical and horizontal extension of said constructions, preventing alsoan adequate load transmission.

To overcome this disadvantage, document ES 2362514 describes, forexample, a flexible joining element for constructions intended to bearranged between adjoining parts of said construction to transmitvertical or horizontal loads comprising at least one body made ofknitted and pressed yarn of steel, preferably stainless or galvanized,which supports vertical or horizontal loads transmitted between adjacentmodules. The joining element described in this document comprises twocoaxial cylindrical pieces of different diameter defining between them avolume wherein at least one, and preferably four or six of said bodies,is housed, innermost piece being intended to receive a positioningelement fitted at its lower part in a first lower module and outermostpiece intended to be embedded in immediately upper module, so that saidbody transmits lateral forces between said pieces and, therefore,between said first lower module and said second module immediatelyhigher. Although this joining element gives flexibility to junctionassembled between modules thanks to the use of a knitted steel cable, itis an element of complex manufacture using a number of elements such ascylindrical rings, washers, as well as braided steel cables, therebyconsiderably increasing its manufacturing cost.

The present invention solves the disadvantages of fixing elements knownin the art, providing a flexible fixing system that allows thetransmission of any load in any direction, for example of horizontal andvertical displacement, such as those produced during a seismic event, ina simple and reliable way, while facilitating a constructionalsimplicity both in height and laterally in a reproducible way, suchdevices being fixed in specific and standardized positions of saidmodules, which allows to automate the construction from them.

To this end, the invention provides a system for fixing constructionmodules formed on the basis of first fixing devices and second fixingdevices.

First fixing devices are essentially flat and are made up of two pairsof rigid rods arranged vertically in each pair one above the other in aU-shape, both pairs of rods being arranged concentrically, namely,sharing the same longitudinal axis of symmetry. Pairs of rods thusdefine a U-shaped hole in which at least one boss is arranged,preferably four bosses, for the passage of two fixing screws.

Likewise, the fixing system involves the use of second fixing deviceswith a configuration similar to first fixing devices, in this case madeup of three pairs of rigid rods arranged vertically in each pair, onevertically above the other, a pair of rods defining an essentiallyright-angle and the other two pairs of rods arranged symmetrically withrespect to its bisector, defining a hole of an arrowhead form in whichat least one boss is housed, preferably four bosses, for the passage ofcorresponding fixing screws.

First fixing devices are arranged in a variable number, depending on theconstruction module used, embedded in sides thereof, while second fixingdevices are arranged embedded in corners of said sides.

In addition to constituting a flexible and load-transmitting joint,another additional advantage of the fixing system of the inventionconsists in the fact that rigid rods of fixing devices described hereinconstitute, where appropriate, a frame for the concrete with which theconstruction modules are manufactured, making their manufacture easierby providing fixing elements themselves with a frame for the same.

The invention is described below based on an embodiment thereof and withreference to the attached figures, in which:

FIG. 1: a schematic perspective view of first device of the fixingsystem.

FIG. 2: a schematic perspective view of second device of the fixingsystem.

FIG. 3: a schematic view of an example of arrangement of the fixingsystem on one side of a construction module.

FIG. 4: a schematic view of the application of the system of theinvention to an illustrative construction module.

As mentioned above, the system of the invention is formed based on firstfixing devices and second fixing devices, first fixing devices to beembedded in lateral sides of construction modules and second fixingdevices in corners of said modules.

As shown in FIG. 1, a first fixing device (1) is made up of two pairs ofrigid rods, an outer pair (11) and an inner pair (12).

Each pair of rods is then made up of two rods, one lower rod and oneupper rod, arranged vertically one above the other, and both foldeddefining a U-shape, both pairs of rods (11, 12) being arrangedconcentrically relative to each other. As can be seen in this figure,the pairs of rods define also a U-shaped hole. This hole has at leastone boss (3), preferably four bosses (3), for the passage of two fixingscrews (not shown).

In the case of one boss, this is arranged on the longitudinal axisdefined by inner rods (12).

In the preferred embodiment with four bosses, two of these bosses (3)are arranged in this U-shaped hole in correspondence with apexes of thebase of the U defined by the pair of outer rods (11), while the othertwo bosses (3) are arranged in arms of U-shaped hole spaced from thefirst, in the folding area of the pair of inner rods (12), the fourbosses defining apexes of a square.

Second fixing device (2), shown in FIG. 2, is made up in this case ofthree pairs of rigid rods (21, 22, 23), an outer pair (21) and two innerpairs (22, 23), each pair also made up of two rods, one lower rod andone upper rod, arranged vertically one above the other.

One pair of rods (21) is shaped defining a right-angle, while the othertwo pairs of rods (22, 23) are shaped defining equal acute angles andare arranged symmetrically and equidistant with respect to anglebisector of the pair of outer rods (21), thus defining a hole in anarrowhead shape.

As in the device described above (1), this arrowhead hole houses atleast one boss (3), preferably four bosses (3).

In the case of one boss, it is arranged in the inner angle of outer rodspair (21).

In the preferred embodiment with four bosses (3), one of them isarranged in inner angle of outer pair of rods (21) and the other threein correspondence with apexes of outer acute angles defined by outerpairs of rods (22, 23), the four bosses (3) defining apexes of a square,for the passage of corresponding fixing screws (not shown).

As shown in figures, bosses (3) include perimeter circular flanges intheir lower and upper part extending over lower and upper surfacesdefined by pairs of rods in order to facilitate threading of fixingscrews once fixing devices are embedded in sides and corners ofconstruction modules.

As seen in FIG. 3, where an example of the fixing system arrangement isshown on one construction module side, in order to provide integrity tofixing devices once they are embedded in their locations on saidconstruction module side, system of the invention provides metal plates(4) equipped with four through holes defining a square and incorrespondence with perimeter circular flanges of bosses (3) of fixingdevices (1) and (2), plates (4) being arranged at the level of outer andinner surfaces of module side.

In a preferred embodiment, the aforementioned rigid rods are made ofgalvanized or corrugated steel to ensure bending and corrosionresistance of the same.

Likewise, in another preferred embodiment, bosses (3) are fixed to rigidrods at their contact points by welding.

EXAMPLES

The following example illustrates the application of the system of theinvention to a four-sided construction module.

FIG. 4 shows this example of application to a four-sided constructionmodule constituting a hollow cube where two adjacent sides sharing acommon ridge have been eliminated.

FIG. 4a shows arrangement of fixing devices (1, 2) for upper and lowersides and in FIG. 4b for lateral sides.

Thus, in this example, fixing devices (1) are used arranged at thesemi-ridges of sides, in this case four devices (1) for each side, andfixing devices (2) at apexes of each side.

From above description of the fastening system, following advantages,among others, are derived:

Fixing devices act as loading and unloading elements and are ideal forcarrying out a precision assembly, additionally facilitating theaccommodation of temporary or permanent devices, self-assembly andsubsequent maintenance.

On the other hand, the system of the invention allows easier exchange ofdamaged or deteriorated elements in structures, as well as promotefixing of modular elements intended for interior modulation.

Likewise, the system of the invention provides construction structuresthat comprise it with the ability to increase and decrease, thanks tothe possibility of exchanging and sizing construction elements that arepart of them and that transmit intervening loads, elements such aspillars, slabs, walls, etc., forming complex definitive structures.

1. A system for fixing construction modules comprising characterized inthat it comprises first fixing devices and second fixing devices,wherein first fixing devices are essentially flat and are made up of twopairs of rigid rods arranged vertically in each pair one above the otherin a U-shape, both pairs of rods being arranged concentrically, defininga U-shaped hole in which at least one boss is arranged for the passageof fixing screws and wherein second fixing devices also essentially flatare made up of three pairs of rigid rods arranged vertically in eachpair one vertically above the other, a pair of rods defining anessentially right-angle and the other two pairs of rods arrangedsymmetrically with respect to their bisector, defining a hole in theshape of an arrowhead in which at least one boss for the passage offixing screws is housed.
 2. A system for fixing construction modulesaccording to claim 1, wherein first fixing devices and second fixingdevices house in each case four bosses.
 3. A system for fixingconstruction modules according to claim 2, wherein bosses of firstfixing device define the apexes of a square, two of them being arrangedin the U-shaped hole in correspondence with the apexes of the base ofthe U defined by the outer pair of rods, while the other two bosses arearranged in the arms of U-shaped hole spaced from the first, in thefolding area of the pair of inner rods.
 4. A system for fixingconstruction modules according to claim 2, wherein bosses of the secondfixing device define the apexes of a square, one of them being arrangedin the arrowhead hole in the inner angle of the outer pair of rods andthe other three in correspondence with the apexes of the outer acuteangles defined by the pairs of outer rods.
 5. A system for fixingconstruction modules according to claim 1, wherein bosses includeperimeter circular flanges in their lower and upper part that extendover lower and upper surfaces defined by pairs of rods in order tofacilitate threading of fixing screws once fixing devices are embeddedin sides and corners of construction modules.
 6. A system for fixingconstruction modules according to claim 4, wherein metal plates areprovided with through holes in correspondence with the perimetercircular flanges of bosses of the fixing devices and, the plates beingarranged at the level of the outer and inner surfaces of a module side.